10/20/26 City Commission

At the October 20, 2026 Lawrence City Commission meeting, commissioners approved a fourth amendment to the exclusivity agreement with COZ Redevelopment Group for the city-owned property at 7th and New Hampshire Street. They also authorized staff to negotiate an agreement with the Lawrence City Band for a new South Park stage, subject to final approval and signature by the city manager. The band said it would cover construction and related costs, estimating the project at about $150,000; it had raised or anticipated approximately $109,000–$110,000, including a $50,000 bequest. The commission approved the city’s participation in a Kansas Abandoned Housing Act pilot with nonprofit partners; staff described the city’s role as identifying properties and coordinating partners, with an initial goal of about three homes over 12–18 months. No direct city funding commitment was specified. The commission also discussed modernizing claims-register payments so staff could pay approved claims under $100,000 and provide a monthly report; staff will bring back an ordinance, and no action was taken on that proposal at this meeting.

The commission adopted on first reading a development-code amendment requiring data center uses in specified industrial districts to obtain a special use permit; the existing two-year moratorium remains unchanged. This changes the review process but does not set final data-center regulations. Commissioners also adopted on first reading an ordinance vacating a utility easement at 2800 Iowa Street. No other major procurement awards or spending approvals were identified.